Ian Woosnam captured the second title of his rookie European Seniors Tour season after securing a three shot victory over Paraguay’s Angel Franco at the Pestovo Russian Seniors Open at Pestovo Golf and Yacht Club near Moscow.

Woosnam braved persistent rain to card a closing two under par round of 70 for a winning total of 204, 12 under par. It was the Welshman’s second title in eastern Europe following his maiden success at last month’s Parkridge Polish Seniors Championship in Krakow and the €71,432 first prize consolidated his top spot on the Seniors Tour’s Order of Merit with earnings of €210,018 (£165,893).

Woosnam started the day two shots ahead of Bill Longmuir but lost that advantage when the Scot birdied two of the first three holes.

The former Ryder Cup Captain staged a recovery with birdies on the sixth ninth and 12th but dropped a shot on the 14th before sealing the 46th victory of his long and illustrious career with a birdie two on the par 3 17th.

“I feel as if I’ve been drowned,” joked a drenched Woosnam at the end. “It’s great to get a win so soon after the last one but at the moment what I want most is to change into some dry clothes.

“It rained from start to finish and it’s so difficult to control the ball when it gets as wet as that,” he added. “It was so wet I’m surprised we managed to finish but I am delighted we did and it is great to win the first Russian Seniors title.”

Franco started the day in a share of fifth place but moved up to second with a best-of-the-day 68 that included a stunning birdie on the 382 yard closing hole where he holed out from 18 feet. That was enough to pip Longmuir for second place and to earn a cheque for €47,621 (£37,616).

It turned out to be a hugely disappointing day for Sam Torrance who started out just three shot s behind Woosnam but dropped six shots in an untidy 78. That left him languishing in a share of eighth place eleven shots behind the winner.

“It was just one of those days,” said Torrance. “I got off to a bad start when I dropped two shots on the fifth and I just couldn’t get going after that.”